Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Summer Patterns, Transitioning Bass, and Hot Spots for Memorial Day Weekend

Howdy y'all, Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning Sam Rayburn fishing report for May 24th, 2025. Let me tell ya, we're full-on into those summer patterns now on Big Sam. Water's sitting at about 77 degrees with that classic stained clarity, and we're running about 1.18 feet above pool level[1]. The sun's coming up around 6:30 this morning and will stay with us till nearly 8 o'clock tonight, giving you plenty of daylight to get after them fish. Them bass have completely finished spawning and are settling into their summer hideouts. They're slowly transitioning to deeper water[1], so your best bet is focusing on those ledges, humps, and that old timber that Sam Rayburn is famous for. I'm finding the sweet spot in that 8-14 foot range. Texas rigs and Carolina rigs with big ole worms in watermelon red or junebug colors are still producing consistently[3][4]. If you're targeting points, Carolina rigs have been the ticket lately[1]. And don't forget to flick those crankbaits and jigs into timber areas - they tend to be warmer and holding good fish[1]. For you early birds, topwater action has been decent in the first hour of daylight around hydrilla edges and submerged timber. Crappie fishing remains steady with fish moving between shallow and deep water. They've been in creek channels and in the river[1]. Your magic depth has been in that 4-12 foot range. Minnows under corks near trees and brush piles will get you them slabs[4]. Small jigs in chartreuse and white have been working well too if you prefer artificial baits. Catfish are biting strong right now in 15-26 feet of water. Cut bait and minnows have been the go-to for filling your cooler[1][3]. For hot spots this weekend, I'd recommend hitting Veach Basin early for that topwater bass action, then moving to the standing timber near Twin Creeks as the day warms up. Harvey Creek has been producing some good numbers of crappie, and the Angelina River channel near the 147 bridge has been giving up some nice catfish stringers. Remember, with this heat settling in, them fish are gonna be most active early and late in the day. Get on the water at first light for your best shot at a banner day, or wait until them last couple hours before sunset. Y'all stay hydrated out there and keep your lines tight. This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Good luck and happy fishing! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.